Thanksgiving 2011

This Thanksgiving was a wonderful one. Since my parents were going to be out of town to California we celebrated with them the Sunday before and had a delightful time. My mom slaved away in the kitchen and I was glad I went a little early so that I could help her. She made a delicious stuffing that had apples and dried cranberries in it. I'm so proud of her for every time she tries something complicated and new. It makes me so happy because I know how happy I am when I make something difficult and it turns out. Good job Mom! Although we missed Uncle Tyler and Trevor dearly we enjoyed a wonderful evening with my parents, Omi and Opa, Grandma and Grandpa and Bridie. We all sat around talking after the wonderful meal and me and my Grandma Diane painted each others toenails. I love my Grandma. She is such a sweet lady, full of so much love. All of these people we got to spend the evening with are so wonderful and we are so blessed to have them in our lives.

For Thanksgiving Day we went to Grandma and Grandpa Taylors house. We went over early so that Scott could play soccer with his siblings and I could help out in the kitchen. I tried to make Beth's delicious stuffing she made the previous year and although it wasn't quite as delicious as hers it turned out okay. I've done pretty well having my best friend [Beth] move to Germany but having gathered together with friends that Beth and Bryce normally would be present at the night before and then cooking Thanksgiving in the kitchen without my Bethy there, I was having a somewhat solemn day. Even Nelma (Martha's mom) said "She[I]misses Beth". Fortunately I was surrounded by such wonderful people, fabulous food and the warmth of the sun that day that I was able to distract myself from the fact that it might just be a little (hopefully not long) while until I get to see my buddy again. I love you Beth!

So we all gathered around the table Gma and Gpa Taylor, Kurt, Martha, Aaron, Emily and their new little bundle due in June, Nelma and Patrick(Martha's Parents), Kristen,Caleb, Chloe and David(Kristen's Boyfriend), Jeff, Michelle & little Adam and Kaylee and enjoyed a delicous meal. David's cranberry sauce was one of me and Scotts favorite. As for Dresden, because it was his naptime the only thing that he took much interest to was the potatoes and gravy and the Jello that Nelma brought (I still couldn't get him to eat the turkey). Afterwards we all just hung around talking, playing ping pong and pool and enjoying each other's company. Although Scott might not agree I came close to beating him at pool, I was quite surprised. Dresden was having a great time outside enjoying the warm weather. He and his cousins were having a blast jumping on the tramp. Grandpa was monitoring them so I came out just to take a picture and Dresden told me "No Mommy, No" and waved his hand to let me know that he didn't want me to interupt his time with his Grandpa and cousins. This brings me to all the things I'm thankful for.

1) I am so thankful that Dresden has such amazing Grandparents that he loves so so much. In fact the other night when Scott and I went on a date and Nanny and Bopba babysat he pushed us away and said "No" and we asked him if he wanted to sleepover and he did. He got to sleep in their bed til about 3am when he wouldn't stop wiggling. He loves his Grandparents. I'm so grateful that he can have both of them so close because who knows this next baby might not get that opportunity.

2)I'm so thankful for such an amazing husband. He works so hard for our family financially and also tries really hard to make sure he spends enough time with his family too. I am so amazed at how he does it. I'm so proud of the man that he is and will become. I'm so lucky to have him to walk through this life with.

3)I'm so thankful to be a stay-at-home mom. Raising Dresden has been one of the best things I've ever experienced. Especially now where everyday he is able to show me all the things he learns from me and those he interacts with. I'm so excited for this new little baby and being able to raise not only one of my little best buddies but two. I'm blessed to be able to work every once and awhile because I think it helps me be a better mom. Of the few times a work I miss my boys so so much and am even more grateful for being a stay-at-home mom.

4)I'm so thankful for the wonderful family, friends and neighbors. They all teach me so much about how to live and love. If it weren't for them I couldn't be half the wife and mother that I am. Relationships are the only way to learn love, forgivness, charity, patience, kindness, etc.

5)Most importantly, I am Thankful for the knowledge I have of the love of the savior. I know that I will never be alone in life because of the love that surrounds me when I pray, read scriptures and strive to always do what is right. I know that He loves me and is proud of me despite my faults. If it weren't for the love I felt going to church when I was young I wouldn't be here.

For all of you who we didn't get to spend Thanksgiving with, we hope you had a wonderul Thanksgiving full of food, family and fun!